Real Madrid considers the departure of its key player

Real Madrid is considering selling a key player to free up salary space and prepare the squad for the future.

Raúl Cabrera Jiménez | 24 Aug 2025 | 09.00
twitter tiktok instagram instagram Comentarios
Preferir Fichajes.net en Google
Xabi Alonso leading the training.
Xabi Alonso leading the training.

Real Madrid is facing an important decision regarding one of its standout players: David Alaba.

The Austrian center-back, a key piece in the team's defense, is out of contract on June 30, 2026, and his high salary of €19.47 million gross per year complicates the club's financial planning. For these reasons, the board is considering the possibility of selling him before his contract ends to "cash in" instead of losing him for free next year.

Alaba has been a cornerstone in the defense for several seasons, bringing experience, leadership, and defensive solidity. However, the arrival of new players and the vision of coach Xabi Alonso have raised doubts about his continuity in the team. According to sources close to the club, Xabi Alonso does not see him in his long-term plans, hastening the need to make a decision about his future.

Selling Alaba before his contract expires would allow Real Madrid to profit from the sale and free up space in the squad to bring in new players that fit the coach's project. Additionally, the operation would be an opportunity to renew the defense with younger players and with a more sustainable economic profile for the club.

Alaba's departure, a blow to Real Madrid's defense.

David Alaba has been one of the pillars of Real Madrid in recent years. His versatility has allowed him to play both as a center-back and left-back, and his international experience provides an additional layer of security in key moments of the season. However, his high salary and Alonso's lack of plans for his continuity lead the club to consider it necessary to act preemptively and seek a transfer in this transfer window.

Alaba injured

While selling a player of his caliber always sparks debate among fans and experts, the club believes that this decision is the most sensible from an economic perspective. Alaba, with a contract until 2026, still has a year left on his deal, allowing Real Madrid to negotiate with interested clubs and receive compensation that would otherwise be lost if he left for free next summer.

On the other hand, Alaba's departure would create space for other young players to establish themselves in the defense, reinforcing a project that aims to strike a balance between experience and youth. Additionally, it would help adjust the team's wage bill, a crucial aspect to meet the club's financial goals and remain competitive in all competitions.

The current scenario makes Real Madrid's decision crucial. Selling such an important player is not easy, but the club is betting on a strategy that combines sports and economic planning. The coming months will be decisive to see if Alaba concludes his time at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier than expected, marking the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new era in the white's defense.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Real Madrid se plantea la salida de su jugador clave